3 stars with Alabama ties named to Forbes 30 Under 30 list

It has been a big year for Alabamians on the big stage and that theme has continued this week as three people with deep ties to our state were named to Forbes 30 Under 30 List.

The annual recognition highlights leaders from across North America who are “leading transformative change within business, culture and entrepreneurship.” This year’s list had 600 names including:

• Jalen Hurts, former Alabama quarterback
• Ella Langley, country music star + Hope Hull native
• Jessie Murph, music star + Athens High School alum

Keep reading to learn more about each star + why they made the prestigious list.

Jalen Hurts

Jalen Hurts has been known to the people of Alabama for quite some time so it can be easy to forget he’s still just 27 years old.

In 2025, Hurts led the Philadelphia Eagles to a Super Bowl win + he was named to the Time100 List of the world’s most influential people.

“Jalen Hurts earned 2025 Super Bowl MVP honors, validating a five-year, $255 million extension he signed with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2023 that set an NFL contract record for average annual value (since surpassed). Off the field, Hurts has a deep sponsor stable that includes Breitling watches, Nike’s Jordan Brand and Sprite and earns an estimated $5 million off the field annually. He is also the author of a children’s book, set to be released in 2026 from Flamingo Books.”

Forbes

Ella Langley

At age 26, the Hope Hull native has made herself one of the biggest names in country music.

Just this year, Langley has racked up several awards including:

• ACM’s New Female Artist of the Year
• CMA Music Video of the Year: You Look Like You Love Me by Ella Langley and Riley Green
• CMA Song of the Year: You Look Like You Love Me by Ella Langley and Riley Green
• CMA Single of the Year: You Look Like You Love Me by Ella Langley and Riley Green

“Alabama native Ella Langley has emerged as a major force in contemporary country music with millions of streams and a rapidly expanding fan base. After releasing a series of singles and her debut EP “Excuse the Mess” in 2023, she followed with her full-length debut album in 2024, co-writing every track. The album was home to single “you look like you love me” featuring Riley Green, which marked her first appearance on the Billboard Hot 100. In 2025, Langley received eight nominations at the ACM Awards—the most of any artist that year—and secured multiple wins, including New Female Artist of the Year, Single of the Year, Musical Event of the Year, and Visual Media of the Year for “you look like you love me.””

Forbes

Jessie Murph

Jessie Murph is one of the youngest musicians on the list, using social media to spark her career and reach a global level of fame.

Murph grew up in north Alabama and attended Athens High School before moving to Nashville. Earlier this year, she released her second studio album title Sex Hysteria.

“21-year old Jessie Murph’s enormous ascent continues. Since accruing a following on TikTok and YouTube in her teen years, Murph hit a major stride after signing to Columbia Records and kicking her career into overdrive. With over 1 billion streams globally with hits like “Blue Strips” and “I’m Not There For You,” Murph has had multiple entries on the Billboard Hot 100 and VMA and ACM nominations.”

Forbes

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